The Fort Pierce Police Department maintains four canine (K-9) teams that assist officers in both policing districts as back up, as well as, aid in any investigation or motor vehicle stop that necessitates the utilization of a canine. Supervised by Sergeant Daniel Flaherty, canine teams are trained for a particular objective with extensive training prior to any operation and continuous weekly training to maintain the highest level of efficiency.

The dogs and handlers spend more than 400 hours in training to develop the special bond required to serve as reliable law enforcement partners. The dogs are also trained to detect the odor of controlled dangerous substances, conduct tracks, evidence searches and criminal apprehension.

Teams are generally assigned to specific a specific district, but are used throughout the county as situations warrant. In addition, members of the unit conduct canine demonstrations for different groups and organizations. For more information on scheduling a demonstration, call 772-461-3820